Expressing dissatisfaction over the NBR’s move to impose 15% VAT on people-friendly Metro rail, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said he requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the plan.

“I have talked to the Prime Minister about the NBR’s VAT plan, this is not right decision, it is wrong. Is there any VAT on metro rail in India ? No, so why is it here? It can't happen as it will ruin the image of the metro rail,” he said while speaking at a seminar on metro-rail branding, as the chief guest in the city.

BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul Quader

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) organised the seminar at a city hotel.

Expressing annoyance over the plying of dilapidated and rundown vehicles on Dhaka roads, the minister said “Beautiful and latest models cars and jeeps are plying Dhaka streets. Why the buses are in dilapidated condition?”
He sought cooperation from the two Dhaka mayors to take away these obsolete vehicles.

Talking about the BNP, Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said BNP leaders are suffering from trauma, that's why they are talking rubbish.

Quader also ruled out the BNP’s claim that AL leaders and activists even refrained from casting votes in the election.

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“The Election Commission has said that 30-40 percent votes were cast in the first phase of upazila election while over 42% in the national election. Are they not people of this country? If 42 percent people voted, how did voters reject the election? Actually, BNP leaders are suffering from trauma.”